CLEVELAND — During Cleveland’s 2024 Summer Safety Plan briefing, officials made several claims about guns in the city, so we're VERIFYING the numbers behind those claims.
The claims we're focusing on are related to the city’s homicide rate, where guns used in crimes are coming from, and what's happening with guns in schools.
CLAIM 1
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said, "Our homicide solve rate is roughly 74% — way above national average — because we're using technology, we're using data, we're partnering with federal law enforcement in a way we've never done before."
THE SOURCE
- The Pew Research Center
THE EXPLANATION
The Pew Research Center reported that the most recent data available from the FBI in 2022 showed that 52.3% of homicides were solved across the United States that year.
THE ANSWER
Since 52.3% is much lower than 74%, we can VERIFY that this claim checks out.
CLAIM 2
We also heard from Deputy Chief of Police Ali Pillow at the briefing, who said, "There is no shortage of guns on the streets of Cleveland or across the country. One of the things I'd like to ask the residents in the community is to really practice gun safety. A number of weapons are stolen out of homes and/or vehicles."
THE SOURCE
- Cleveland Division of Police Public Information Officer Wilfredo Diaz
THE EXPLANATION
Diaz told 3News this claim is based on 896 guns reported stolen in 2022 and 955 guns reported stolen in 2023. He says guns classified as reported stolen likely come from homes and cars, because otherwise it would be a different crime.
Diaz noted, however, that it would take him another day to break out those numbers more specifically.
THE ANSWER
Due to the lack of detailed information availability immediately, we have to say that where the guns used in crimes in Cleveland are coming from is unclear at this time.
CLAIM 3
Lastly, Pillow said, "We've seen a proliferation of kids going to school with weapons, getting them from home."
THE SOURCE
- Cleveland Division of Police PIO Wilfredo Diaz
THE EXPLANATION
The department told me they were digging through their reporting system, and they expect to be able to share numbers related to this claim later this week.
THE ANSWER
Again, due to the lack of detailed information availability immediately, this is also unclear, for now.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We plan to VERIFY these unclear claims once more detailed information is shared with us. You can watch the Summer Safety Plan briefing for yourself below: